Articles
A review of the production challenges for sweet cherries grown under protected cropping systems
Article number
1395_24
Pages
179 – 186
Language
English
Abstract
Australia has seen an increase in the investment of protected cropping systems (PCS) to mitigate the risks associated with the production of premium cherry fruit.
In Tasmania, previous studies have shown that various PCS minimise fruit cracking and improve fruit set and size.
Despite the benefits of PCS, there are still challenges associated with growing cherries under PCS. Some of these challenges include softer fruit in some seasons, an increase in tree vigour and difficulty in predicting irrigation and fertigation requirements.
PCS modify orchard micro- and meso-climates generally by increasing temperature and relative humidity and lowering solar radiation and wind exposure.
All these factors reduce tree water uptake resulting in potential implications for effective uptake of mineral nutrients, particularly calcium.
Hence, greater knowledge of tree water relations and nutrient uptake, and research on the effects of plant growth regulators may enable further understanding of how to produce the desired fruit quality attributes such as fruit firmness and how to manage tree vigour under PCS. This new knowledge would de-risk production of premium quality sweet cherries under PCS.
In Tasmania, previous studies have shown that various PCS minimise fruit cracking and improve fruit set and size.
Despite the benefits of PCS, there are still challenges associated with growing cherries under PCS. Some of these challenges include softer fruit in some seasons, an increase in tree vigour and difficulty in predicting irrigation and fertigation requirements.
PCS modify orchard micro- and meso-climates generally by increasing temperature and relative humidity and lowering solar radiation and wind exposure.
All these factors reduce tree water uptake resulting in potential implications for effective uptake of mineral nutrients, particularly calcium.
Hence, greater knowledge of tree water relations and nutrient uptake, and research on the effects of plant growth regulators may enable further understanding of how to produce the desired fruit quality attributes such as fruit firmness and how to manage tree vigour under PCS. This new knowledge would de-risk production of premium quality sweet cherries under PCS.
Authors
C.H. Stone, R.S. Sidhu, N.D. Swarts, D.C. Close
Keywords
ecophysiology, microclimates, firmness, calcium, protected cultivation
Groups involved
- Division Temperate Tree Nuts
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
- Division Plant-Environment Interactions in Field Systems
- Division Tropical and Subtropical Fruit and Nuts
- Working Group Precision Management of Orchards and Vineyards
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